The African fig fly Zaprionus indianus: a new invasive pest in France?

Description

We report here the first observation of Zaprionus indianus Gupta in mainland France. Five specimens of both sexes were trapped in a liquid vinegar bait in Cap d'Antibes (French Riviera) and their taxonomic identification was then performed by morphologi-cal and molecular analysis. Z. indianus is recognized as a fig pest in the invaded American countries, and it could pose economic problems in this new location since figs are also grown in European Mediterranean areas. This Drosophilid species is on the EPPO pest quarantine list. Its spread and possible permanent establishment in South France should thus be monitored in the next years to assess possible agricultural damages.

Additional details